The Marine Hermanus

More than a few seaside resorts offer whale watching excursions. But at the Marine Hermanus, guests need not leave their rooms to watch the spectacle — this stretch of the southern coast of South Africa is a natural playground for the Southern Right Whales that breach near the shore from July to November. The 45-room resort, built at the turn of the century and restored in 1998 by Liz McGrath, the proprietress of a series of luxury hotels in the Cape Province, is gracefully furnished and surrounded by exquisite gardens. The Marine’s truly notable feature, however, is and always has been its stunning clifftop location overlooking Walker Bay — you could miss out on half the appeal if you don’t book a suite facing the sea.

That said, if you’re going to be whale watching from your guest room, you might as well be comfortable. Lavishly appointed and traditionally outfitted with four-poster beds and pretty loveseats, the hotel’s individually decorated rooms won’t be winning any awards for cutting-edge design. But the huge picture windows, dark wood accents, and romantic silk drapery are inviting in an old-fashioned way, the stately bathrooms are constructed with marble and chrome, and extras like fireplaces and balconies add charm to the suites.

After beach strolls or hiking, guests head to the Carchele Beauty Spa for mud treatments and exfoliating scrubs, to the Sun Lounge for a cocktail with a view, or to the heated saltwater pool. The Marine’s staff packs picnics for those spending the afternoon at the natural tidal pool in front of the hotel — yes, swimming near the whales is possible for several months of the year — and for dinner, guests choose between the Pavilion and Seafood at the Marine.

How to get there:
The Marine Hermanus is approximately a 1 1/4 hour drive from Cape Town International Airport. It is 1 hour 40 minutes from Cape Town City Center.